A Perfect 2-Day Taipei Itinerary: Best Things to Do in Taiwan’s Capital

Looking for a destination that blends rich history, vibrant culture, and mouthwatering street food—all in one weekend or 2 days? Look no further than Taipei! Taiwan’s bustling capital is a perfect mix of modern city life and deep-rooted traditions, making it an ideal getaway for travelers short on time but eager for adventure. Taipei Taiwan should be on everyones list, I don’t care who you are you have to go here!

In March 2023, I had the chance to explore Taipei on a quick weekend trip from Korea, packing in as much as possible—from iconic temples to bustling night markets. This article was originally published by United On The Rok in July 2023, but I’ve updated it here on my blog after the original site and ownership changed. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or planning a return trip, this guide will help you make the most of a weekend in Taipei!

I wanted to make sure you could see as much as possible with this 2-Day Taipei Itinerary, this will get you out of the city and even exploring some of Taipei’s night markets. I had a blast while in Taipei and I only hope you do to!

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Curious about my time in Asia?⬇️

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Why Taiwan?

During our Christmas trip to Vietnam in 2022, my husband and I met a couple who were teaching at an international school in Taipei. Their stories about life in the vibrant city intrigued me, and I couldn’t help but dive into some research. To my surprise, I quickly realized that a weekend trip to Taipei from Seoul was totally doable.

Eager to escape the daily grind and seize a last-minute 3-day weekend, I set out to find the best flight deals from Seoul with China Airlines. Keep reading to see how we pulled off this spontaneous Taipei adventure!

Now, I have to be honest with you—COVID had really messed with my travel plans. Back in 2020, I had to cancel my long-awaited trip to Ukraine, and it made me realize how easily travel plans could fall apart. I didn’t want that to happen again, especially when it came to visiting Taiwan.

Given the political tension between China, Taiwan, and the USA, I was anxious about whether I would even be able to visit. I know, I know—it sounds super anxiety-inducing, but I was determined to see Taiwan for myself and understand what was really going on.

How to Get to Taipei

Taipei Taiwan is well-connected to major cities worldwide, with Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) serving as the primary gateway for international travelers. Located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of Taipei, this modern airport handles flights from Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond.

Major airlines like EVA Air, China Airlines, and Starlux Airlines offer direct long-haul flights, while budget carriers like AirAsia and Scoot provide affordable regional connections.

If you’re flying from the U.S., expect a long-haul journey with layovers in hubs like Tokyo, Seoul, or Hong Kong unless you’re on a nonstop route from cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco. I would definitely add on an additional few days, I don’t think a weekend Itinerary is easy to pull off! HAH!

Once you land at Taoyuan International Airport, getting to Taipei is easy. The Taoyuan Airport MRT is the fastest and most convenient option, whisking travelers into the heart of the city in about 35 minutes. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available, though they cost significantly more. Alternatively, long-distance travelers arriving from nearby destinations such as Hong Kong, Macau, or China can take a ferry to Taiwan’s southern ports, but this option is far less common than flying. Whether you arrive by air or sea, Taiwan’s efficient transportation network makes reaching your final destination a seamless experience.

💡 Pro Tip: Pair the app with an EasyCard, Taiwan’s reloadable transit card, for seamless, tap-and-go access to the MRT, buses, and even convenience stores!

You can download the app on iOS and Android—just search for “Taipei Metro” or “Go! Taipei Metro” in your app store.

Essential Travel Tips for Visiting Taiwan: Currency and Money Matters

When traveling to Taiwan, it’s essential to be familiar with the currency in Taiwan. The official currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). While most places in major cities like Taipei accept credit cards, it’s advisable to carry cash for small transactions, especially in rural areas or markets.

ATMs are readily available in cities, and many international cards are accepted. However, it’s always a good idea to notify your bank before traveling to avoid any issues with international withdrawals. Be sure to exchange money in Taiwan before heading to more remote regions to ensure you have cash on hand.

For a smoother travel experience, consider withdrawing enough New Taiwan Dollars for the duration of your trip or using local exchange services for better rates.

Essential Travel Tips for Taiwan: Electrical Outlets, SIM Cards, and Staying Connected

When traveling to Taiwan, it’s essential to be prepared with the right outlet plug type to ensure your devices are ready to use. Taiwan uses Type A and Type B electrical plugs, which are the same as those in the United States. The voltage is 110V, and the frequency is 60Hz, so if you’re coming from a country with different plugs or voltage (like Europe), make sure to bring a plug adapter and check if your devices are compatible with the voltage.

SIM Cards and Staying Connected in Taiwan

Staying connected while traveling in Taiwan is relatively easy. There are two main options for getting mobile data: buying a local SIM card or using services like Airalo.

A Brief Overview of Taiwan’s History: From Early Settlements to Modern Democracy

Taiwan’s history is rich and diverse, beginning with Chinese settlers arriving on the island around AD 239. Over the centuries, Taiwan has seen various powers and cultures shape its identity. In the 17th century, European explorers, including the Spanish, Dutch, and Portuguese, first arrived on the island, marking the start of Taiwan’s interaction with the outside world. The Dutch briefly colonized Taiwan from 1624 to 1661, before China’s Qing Dynasty took control of the island from 1683 to 1895.

In 1895, following China’s defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War, Taiwan was ceded to Japan and became a Japanese colony until 1945. During this time, Japan made significant changes to the island’s infrastructure and culture.

After World War II, Taiwan was returned to China, and Chiang Kai-shek, a key Chinese political and military leader, established the Republic of China (ROC) on the island. His leadership played a critical role in Taiwan’s political landscape, with his son, Chiang Ching-kuo, and President Lee Teng-hui, known as Taiwan’s “father of democracy,” continuing to shape the island’s political development.

If you’re interested in Taiwan’s complex history, it’s worth exploring the lives and influence of key figures such as Chiang Kai-shek, Chiang Ching-kuo, and Lee Teng-hui. Understanding their contributions will provide deeper insight into Taiwan’s path to democracy and its modern-day political environment.

Where to stay in Taipei

As a budget traveler, I opted for a hostel stay with a private room in the Datong district—an area that offers both convenience and character. I stayed at Meander 1948, which has a mix of dormitory-style and private rooms. Its location near the MRT and Taipei Main Station made it the perfect base for exploring the city.

While wandering through Taipei, I noticed plenty of boutique stays tucked into bustling areas near famous landmarks. If you prefer a more upscale experience, Taipei has no shortage of luxury hotels. The W, Marriott, and Hilton offer top-tier service and are centrally located near Taipei 101 and the city’s high-end shopping districts.

Looking for the perfect stay? Check out this map by Stay 22 (affiliate link) to explore more options!

Transportation and Getting Around Taipei.

There are several modes of transportation in Taipei from the airport. It’s important to note, MRT closes at 11pm so be prepared to have your hotel arrange pickup or you can go through Klook to arrange transfers if you land after the MRT closes.

I did this for my departure flight transfer to the airport and it was seamless! Otherwise, you can easily get an MRT pass at a vending machine at any metro station. 

Google Maps works like a charm in Taiwan, and you can utilize this to navigate through transportation schedules in real-time. 

Taipei Tours and Experiences

When exploring a new city, I love booking tours to get the most out of my time. I often use Viator, and here are some of my top experiences in Taipei

Taipei Day one: Getting outside of the City

>>>>Small-Group Tour: Jiufen, Yehliu Geopark, and Shifen from Taipei<<<

Yehliu Geopark

I started my morning early, hopping into a van with my guide, Jackson, as we set off to pick up the other participants. Our first stop? Yehliu Geopark—home to the famous Queen’s Head rock formation—about 45 minutes outside of Taipei.

Since I had booked this tour on a Friday, I assumed the crowds would be manageable. I was so very wrong. There were lines for nearly every stone formation, including a 20-minute wait just to snap a photo of the Queen’s Head.

Yehliu Geopark sits on a 1,700-meter-long cape, shaped by the forces of nature over thousands of years. The landscape is a masterpiece of sandstone and limestone, sculpted by relentless seaside erosion. While I wasn’t keen on waiting in line, I quickly found a higher vantage point that offered a stunning panoramic view—capturing the Queen’s Head, the rugged coastline, and the swirling blue sea, all framed by low shrubs that conveniently blocked the crowds below.

If you’re lucky with the weather, the tour includes a stop at Golden Waterfall. This striking cascade gets its name from the heavy metal elements in the riverbed, which turn the water a rich golden hue. The river eventually flows into the Yin Yang Sea, where dark mineral deposits mix with the sea’s light blue waters, creating a striking contrast—one of nature’s most mesmerizing color displays.

Jiufen

Jiufen was next. This small town lies on a beautiful mountainside and has sweeping views of the coastline. Japanese were amongst the first settlers here during the Qing Dynasty. Gold was discovered here and bam! It brought in many prospectors. When the lanterns light up at night, it may remind you of the popular anime film Spirited Away. My time here was mostly spent meandering the winding streets, taking in the sights and smells of the city. You will find vendors selling many things such as Guey (a glutinous snack that can be stuffed with many different things), Stinky Tofu, Tanghulu, leather goods, and trinkets that capitalize on Spirited Away. The crowds were plentiful, and it only overwhelmed me as I was trying to squeeze through the tight alleyways. So, I found the nearest Tea house. 

There are two extremely popular tea houses in Jiufen: Ameicharu and Jiufen Chafang. Ameicharu is the iconic tea house you have seen in pictures. It was formerly a blacksmith shop, and it brings in tons of tourists daily. I could not believe my eyes when I saw the tea house. It is beautiful, but the wait time to get in was too long.

Jiufen Chafang

With limited time, I opted for Jiufen Chafang. Conveniently located around the corner, Jiufen Chafang offers a menu and views just as fantastic as Ameicharu. Unlike many other spots, they accept all major credit cards, including American Express.

The waitstaff guided me to an unbelievably beautiful greenhouse created by the resident artist. My seat offered a stunning view overlooking the valley below. As soon as I settled in, a young lady appeared with a menu featuring tea choices arranged from light to dark, along with cookies infused with oolong.

I chose Shanlinxi Oolong, sourced from the high mountains in central Taiwan. The tea had a faint jasmine aroma and a light taste. She explained the steeping process, placing the kettle on charcoal bricks beside me. She cleaned the cup with water, dumped it into a spare bowl, added the loose-leaf tea, poured hot water over the leaves, and instructed me on how long to steep the tea.

Once she finished, she poured the tea into my cup and left me in peace. I sat in silence, enjoying endless cups of tea for about an hour. It was a wonderful way to relax and take in my surroundings. What a way to experience a place!

Afterward, I wandered through the winding, twisting streets of Jiufen, lined with beautiful architecture. If I could do it differently, I would visit Jiufen at night. I can see why people often think this place looks like something out of Spirited Away.

Shifen

Shifen was next on the list. This small town has a beautiful nature park with hiking trails and a waterfall. A neat activity to participate in here is lantern lighting and setting off your lantern.

The streets of Shifen are lined with small shops and the area still retains much of yesteryear’s charm. You can walk into any of the lantern shops along the railroad tracks and ask to paint wishes on a lantern to set it off.

This was about 250 TWD (less than USD 10 at the time of writing) for four colors. It was a fun activity. The shop owners help you set it off and are super fun about it.

If you want, you can even get on the train that passes through to see some more mountain towns scattered throughout the area. It’s a magical place.

Taipei Day 2: Seeing the City by Bike and A Wonderful Dinner

>>>>>>>>>>>>>Taipei: 4-Hour Morning City Cycling Tour<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Difficulty: Fair    Distance: 15km   Duration: 4 hours

Morning Cycling Ride

One of the highlights of my time in Taipei was the morning bike tour I took with Taipei Bike Works. I met my guide, Beatrice, at the shop—a Taiwanese-American who had returned to Taiwan to reconnect with her roots. What made this tour so special was the chance to explore parts of the city that most visitors might never stumble upon.

As the other participants arrived, we took some time to get to know one another before selecting our bikes. Our group consisted of six others—five Aussies working in Hong Kong’s tech industry and a solo traveler in the foreign service. Once we were all set, we pedaled into the city, making our first stop for a fantastic local breakfast.

To our surprise, our presence didn’t go unnoticed. Locals began snapping pictures of us enjoying our meal, clearly amused by the sight of a group of foreigners diving into traditional Taiwanese breakfast dishes. One woman was so excited to see tourists that she even asked one of our group members to take a picture with her baby!

Chang Kai Shek Memorial

Our ride eventually led us to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, where we had the chance to witness the Changing of the Guard. This ceremony takes place at the beginning of every hour from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is a display of absolute precision. The soldiers moved in perfect sync—straight-faced, disciplined, and executing each motion with laser-sharp accuracy.

As we walked through the memorial grounds, we took in the beauty of the expansive gardens and the stunning architecture of the National Concert Hall. The blend of history, culture, and grandeur made it a memorable stop on the tour.

Later in the day, while waiting at a stoplight, I had an unexpected encounter. An older man approached me, enthusiastically sharing his love for the U.S. before telling me I was beautiful. Then, in a sweet and slightly surreal moment, he handed me a balloon art flower. Unfortunately, my delicate souvenir didn’t survive the flight home, but the memory of his kindness stayed with me.

Overall, this bike tour is an excellent introduction to Taipei—its sights, its people, and its hidden gems. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to experience the city beyond the usual tourist spots.

Taipei at Night: Din Tai Fung Dinner

No trip to Taiwan is complete without tasting Xiaolongbao at Din Tai Fung! This renowned Michelin-star restaurant has locations all over the world, and it originated in Taipei, Taiwan.

Naturally, you must put this on your itinerary. I had heard it was a nightmare to get in with long waits, but the trick around it is to join a tour!

The tour guide picked us up at a local metro station and then took us over to Taipei 101, where Xiaolongbao is located. It took about twenty minutes to get us in. I was with a group of people from Japan, and we connected over the tasty food.

Among the highlights for me was the hot and sour soup. It was delicious. Sure, the Xiaolongbao was amazing, but this soup was the best! We ate to our heart’s content for about 40 minutes.

The creator of Din Tai Fung, Mr. Yang, immigrated to Taiwan at twenty years old with twenty dollars in his pocket. He decided to open his shop to sell cooking oil and named it Din Tai Fung. He and his wife dedicated half of their shop to making and selling Xiao Long Bao, steamed pork soup dumplings. The word itself means ‘little dumpling in a basket.’ You can find a variety of these dumplings on the menu. It is fascinating to watch them work in the kitchen. Although I could have gone to Seoul to have dinner at their location in Gangnam, something about this experience in Taiwan was especially fascinating.

Shongsan Ciyou Temple/ Rahoe Street Night Market

After dinner, we made a beeline for Songshan Ciyou Temple. It was already getting dark outside and the city was lighting up. As we turned the corner to our next destination, the view overtook me. It was Songshan Ciyou Temple lit up at night. Songshan is dedicated to the Goddess Matsu, the Goddess of the Sea. Our guide informed us that her believers think she roams the seas, protecting her believers, so citizens come here to pray to her for a safe journey and protection of the island. I spent much of my time here because it was beautiful with all the deep red hues of the lanterns. The smell of incense wafted through the air, and it was calming to take in. It is a great place to sit and reflect. 

After, don’t forget to wander the Rahoe Street Night Market. I went off to see if I could find anything sweet and that I did. I immediately made a beeline for the Donut man. If you have never had a Chinese donut, you are missing out. I am a firm believer that anything in donut form should be tasted! This melted in my mouth to perfection and it was a beautiful ending to a long day!

The Last of It

Whatever district you end up staying in while in Taipei, the nightly street markets are delightful across the city. No need to follow an itinerary step by step, but it could help you get a better sense of how much there is to do, such as plan a bike ride or hike around the country. Taiwan is open and ready for you to explore!

What Season Should You Go to Taiwan?

Taiwan is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit largely depends on the type of experience you’re seeking. The best season to visit Taiwan is during the fall (September to November) and spring (March to May). These months offer mild temperatures, ranging from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F), making them perfect for outdoor activities like hiking or exploring the vibrant cities.

If you prefer warm weather, summer (June to August) is the peak season, though it can be hot and humid, with occasional typhoons. For a quieter experience with fewer tourists, consider traveling in the winter (December to February), especially if you want to experience Taiwan’s cherry blossom season or visit the hot springs during cooler months. Keep in mind, Taiwan is a tropical island, so the weather can vary by region, with the east coast being cooler and the west coast experiencing more heat. Regardless of when you visit, Taiwan offers something special every season!

Taipei Taiwan Essentials

• Passport and Visa: Check if you need a visa. Many countries have visa-free entry for up to 90 days. For detailed visa information, visit the Taiwan Visa Information page.
• Travel Insurance: Ensure it covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and theft.
• Copies of Important Documents: Passport, visa, travel insurance, and itinerary.

Electronics

• Plug Types: Taiwan uses Type A and Type B plugs with a standard voltage of 110V and a frequency of 60Hz. North American devices are compatible, but European devices will need an adapter and possibly a voltage converter.
• Universal Travel Adapter: To accommodate different plug types.
• Portable Charger: For keeping your devices charged on the go.

In Conclusion

Taipei is a fantastic city to explore, even if you have limited time, especially if you’re coming from nearby locations like Korea. The beauty, culture, and food of this vibrant city make it an unforgettable destination. Whether you’re a history lover, a food enthusiast, or someone who loves to explore unique urban landscapes, Taipei has something to offer. Trust me, once you visit, you’ll want to return again and again. So, pack your bags, grab your tickets, and get ready to discover all that Taipei has to offer – you won’t regret it!